Mary Pierce | Author, Speaker, Humorist

Spring Thaw

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: Those of us in snow country know what the spring thaw brings. Piles of dirty snow melting away revealing…um, piles of dirty junk we forgot to put away last fall.

I watch in awe as the huge snow piles shrink. “Hey, there’s the rake! And I see the wheelbarrow!” Later I called my friend to confess, “I’m so embarrassed. I thought we’d lost a lawn chair last fall, but it emerged from the snow today. And so did our cooler.”

“That’s nothing,” she said. “Our barbecue grill reappeared today, and it still had burgers on it.”

This is why she and I are friends.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Why are we so happy that it’s finally spring? Think about it. Spring means we can add a hundred outside-the-house tasks to the list of a hundred inside-the-house tasks.

I was just about to complain when I came across this quote: “I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.” (Nancie J. Carmody)

Ah. Perspective. I’m thankful, too, to have a home and yes, even thankful for the list. So I’ll clean up the junk and wash the windows. While I’m at it, I’ll take a swipe at the mental cobwebs that have been growing through the winter. Grumbling. Fear. Bitterness. I’ll let in the fresh air of gratitude, hope and forgiveness.

I hear the season echoing the words of the Creator. “The old has gone; the new has come.”New season. Fresh start. Welcome, Spring!

May you be blessed with a fresh start today, and may you be a blessing to everyone you meet.

P.S. Waukesha, WI friends: Come laugh with me at PajamaRama at Ascension Lutheran on Friday, April 1st. Hope to see you there!

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“YAAHOOHOOHOOEEE!”

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: I’ve always loved school, but this is school on steroids. This is school times a gazillion. This is school to the max for my old brain. This is an adventure.

I feel like Goofy in “The Art of Skiing.” Well, the part where Goofy goes flying off the ski jump, “YAAHOOHOOHOOEEE!”

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Reinhold Messner writes in Free Spirit, “Adventure is not made up of distant lands and mountaintops. Rather it lies in one’s readiness to exchange the domestic hearth for an uncertain resting place.”

The domestic hearth is comfortable, warm and predictable. Exchanging all that for the unknown can be scary. Safety is staying where we are; adventure is stepping away from that. (I told DaHusband I’d found my “uncertain resting place.” He said, “You’re just down the highway. It’s not really that uncertain.”)

Okay, so I didn’t go that far in physical distance, but I’m traveling at warp speed right now, toward a future that’s new and exciting. It’s an adventure and all I can say is, “YAAHOOHOOHOOEEE!”

How about you? Do you hear the call of something new for yourself? Maybe it’s a new career path, or changing an old habit. Maybe it’s a new, healthier lifestyle, or a new field of study. Maybe it’s clearing out the clutter and making room for new things in your life and in your heart. Whatever it is, heed the call. Adventure awaits. How exciting!

Posted in encouragement, Goals, Goofy, grad school, laugh, skiing | Leave a comment

Mom Jeans and All-Bran

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: This grad school adventure is the first time I’ve “gone away to school.” I share a house a couple days a week with four undergrads. I was a little nervous about the whole deal till my daughter reassured me. “You’ll be fine, Mom. You don’t have to worry about your roommates wanting to borrow your clothes. Especially your jeans. Or your shoes. And…”

“I get the picture,” I said. Then she added, “And your All Bran cereal will be safe, too!”

Thanks. I think.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Turns out my roommates are supportive, encouraging and kind, as are my classmates. So is the faculty. (Hmm. I seem to be the only one concerned with my age. Note to that voice in my head reminding me how old I am: STOP IT!)

I’ve heard that “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” It’s true. I’ve heard from several of you who have started over, restarted over again later, or finally finished what you started years ago. You give me great hope.

I believe it’s “never too late” and that each day is a new start, offering new adventures and challenges. And I’m learning I can do all kinds of things if I take them one step at a time.

One step at a time, one class, one chapter, one test at a time, I’ll get there. (And I hear echoes of DaMama’s advice: “The trick is to remain upright and don’t stop moving.”)

So I’ll keep moving forward. Slowly, steadily, I’ll get there. In my uncool jeans and eating my All Bran, I’ll get there.

How about you? Is there something “unfinished” in your life? A dream you always dreamed? A new adventure or challenge you long to pursue? Wherever you’re going, you’ll get there…one step at a time.

Decide today what your first step will be. (Note to that “it’s too late” voice in your head: STOP IT!) Take that first step and just keep moving!

May you be blessed and be a blessing to others as you move forward today.

Posted in all-bran, encouragement, Goals, grad school, laugh, mom jeans, roommates | Leave a comment

The Generation Gap Revisited

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: When I decided to tackle grad school, I figured the generation gap would be painfully obvious. It is. When did college students get so young? I realized the other day that I’ve been married–for the second time–longer than most of my classmates have been breathing. It’s not just that I’m older than they are– I’m older than most of their parents!

And the other day I heard some classmates discussing what happened during the season finale of some TV show I never heard of. I felt totally out of it, but then I thought, So what. They don’t know who shot JR–so there!

But now I’m wondering, who the heck did shoot JR? I forget.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: It’s good for us older folks to hang out with younger folks. Did I say “good”? I meant exhausting. And challenging. And I love it!

I’ve realized how much I prefer to spend time with people like me. People my age. People who share my culture, my faith, my values, my TV shows. I like to be comfortable. How about you? When’s the last time you connected with someone “different”?

It can be mighty uncomfortable “out of our element,” but the rewards are great. We learn. We grow. Understanding, insight, compassion and respect increase. We change for the better. The world changes for the better.

How could you change things up in your life? Check out a new group. Attend a different place of worship. Volunteer at a school. Visit a nursing home. Dive into the generation gap, the culture gap, whatever gap you can find. You never know how someone new will impact your life, or what good you might be bringing to them!

I may not watch the same TV programs as my classmates. I sure don’t know their music, any more than my parents knew mine. But I’m confident we’ll bridge the generation gap is subtle ways. We’ll find a balance. They have energy; I have experience. They have pressure; I have perspective. They love coffee; I love coffee.

We’ll get along fine, just as long as nobody tries to help me cross the street.

May you be blessed as you mix and mingle with someone new this week!

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When Worlds Collide

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: We were in the drive-thru at a Burger King–the ultimate in modern convenience–when I looked across the street and saw this unexpected sight. Worlds were colliding, right there before us, and I just had to get a picture.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: World collisions often bring delightful surprises our way. We laugh. We celebrate. We take pictures.

Other surprises are not so delightful. Maybe worlds are colliding in unexpected ways for you today. Maybe you expected a world of “happily ever after” and wound up alone. Maybe you expected a world where “everything’s fine,” and heard a scary diagnosis instead. Maybe you expected a world of light and joy and find yourself in the depths of dark despair instead.

Whatever is going on in your world, take heart. There IS hope. There IS a future out there. There IS a plan to take you there, if you will just trust in the One who holds that future.

Today just trust. Today just wait. Today just breathe. Today reach out for the comfort and help you need. Tomorrow’s world will be a better place. That’s a promise!

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The Goofy Stuff of Life

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: Three-year-old grandson Charlie showed me his new crayons the other day. “I got these at Mommy’s office,” he said.

Actually, he’d gotten them the day before when we took him to the hospital to visit his mommy and his new baby sister.

I had to wonder, what does it mean when the kids start thinking the delivery room is your office? Just another of those “You know you’re a mom when…” moments.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Kids say the goofiest things, don’t they? They’re always giving us opportunities to smile. Pay attention. Write stuff down. (Trust me Mommy–or Grandma–you won’t remember if you don’t!)

No matter what else is going on, we can find something to smile about if we just look for it. So count your blessings. Look for the funny little stuff. Celebrate what’s good and right and positive in your world.

What do you have to smile about today? Go ahead and smile!

May you be blessed as you share a smile with somebody else today.

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New Year Where? Who? What?

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: Grandson Joey (almost 5) asked to go outside the other day while visiting our house. I said, “No, it’s too cold. It’s only five degrees out.” “I like cold,” he said.
I countered with, “But it’s windy too, so that means it’s twenty below.” “Twenty what?” he asked.
“Twenty below,” I repeated.
“Below where?”
“Below zero.”
“Where’s zero?”
I could see where we were headed so I said, “Who’s on first?”

He didn’t get it. Huh.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: This cold morning I sit at the kitchen window, looking out at the fresh snow that fell in our woods during the night. As I sip my cocoa (with marshmallows, of course), I imagine hearing the harness bells of Frost’s horse in the “lovely, dark and deep” woods of that “snowy evening.”

It is lovely here, too, in the deep, awakening woods this morning. Fresh snow covers the forest detritus, transforming every branch and twig, every bush and bramble. A lovely, transformed world.

Fresh snow feels appropriate today, like a clean slate, a new start for the new year. Fresh snow, like fresh mercy, fresh forgiveness. Fresh snow reminding me that the old is gone, the new has come. That God is faithful. That life goes on. That I am loved.

The sky brightening, I look toward the sunrise. A layer of pink, stripes of pale blue and bands of amber cloud offer up a new day. A new beginning for me. For you.

I breathe and breathe again, inhaling fresh hope. In this moment, here, now, all is well.

Like Frost, this year we’ll all have “promises to keep and miles to go.” But in this moment, as you pause and breathe, let peace settle over your spirit. Let all be well with you.

You are loved. There is hope. Happy New Year!

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Yes, Virginia, There Is a Sanity Clause!

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Mary Pierce

It happens every Christmas season. I promise myself, usually in July, that this year–for sure–I’ll be ready well in advance for Christmas. This year–for sure–I’ll focus on the real meaning of the season and not get pulled into the commercialized mayhem of the marketplace.

And then, suddenly it’s December and I find myself in the holiday hubbub, frantically running, doing, cleaning, cooking, shopping, wrapping. All those things I promised myself I’d get done before Thanksgiving. For sure!

Does all this sound familiar?

This year I say, “Forget it!” This year I’m making a new deal. This year I’m writing up a Sanity Clause–an emotionally-binding, three-part contract that will help me enjoy more and stress less this season. Maybe it will do the same for you.

(1) I hereby give myself permission to fuss less. Look at your holiday to-do list. You don’t have to do everything. Seriously. Older children can wrap gifts. And younger children are expert cookie decorators. (Who doesn’t love a sugar cookie with half a pound of colored sugar on it? Red plus green equals brown. Who knew?)

And I’m willing to bet there are some tasks on your list that nobody (not even Martha Stewart) needs to do right now. It’s still Christmas even if you haven’t cleaned under the refrigerator in four years. Trust me. And you don’t have to decorate the bathroom from tub to tank. Just light some candles. FYI: Candlelight hides a multitude of housekeeping sins, which is why our house is candle-lit year-round.

(2) I hereby give myself permission to buy less and share more. Give more meaningful gifts. What single working mom wouldn’t love to have you deliver dinner? Or you could offer to babysit her children. (But if her kids are anything like mine, you’ll just want to bring dinner.)

While you’re buying less for those who probably have more than enough to begin with, consider providing for those less fortunate. Give food, clothing, time, and/or money to those in need. Let’s fill those red kettles! Let’s serve those meals! Let’s build those houses!

(3) I hereby give myself permission to focus on the real Reason for it all. Picture the peace and silence of that long-ago night. The shepherds, the story says, were in the fields, watching over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them saying, “…I bring you good news of great joy…a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:8-11 NIV).

It’s all too easy to get distracted by the trimmings and trappings of the season. It’s easy to lose sight of the “good news of great joy” that is the point of it all: God’s incarnate love.

‘Tis the season that celebrates mercy, love, grace and compassion. Give those gifts to yourself, in gratitude to the One who is mercy, love, grace and compassion. Forgive the past–your past. Embrace the present, this very moment. Anticipate the future–because of Christmas, it’s filled with hope–and be grateful.

Give yourself permission to slow down and celebrate. Enjoy the food, the fellowship, and faith. Embrace the season. Embrace life. Embrace those you love.

Laugh. Sing. Even if you can’t carry a tune, sing anyway. Sing “Joy to the world!”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Sing, sing, sing.

In the middle of it all, give yourself permission to stop for a moment. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Hear the angels singing, “Gloria! In excelsis deo!”

This is the “good news of great joy.” A Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born, for you. “Glory to God, in the highest, and on earth peace…”

May there be peace on earth and in your heart as you celebrate this season. Merry Christmas!

///

And now I’m going to get a cup of cocoa and my copy of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to read by the fire. Give yourself permission to do something equally wonderful. I’ll be back on January 4th to begin another year of laughter and encouragement. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Posted in Christmas, encouragement, laugh, stress | 2 Comments

Mr. Dickens, You’re On Your Way!

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: Just saw the news that Oprah’s latest book club pick is (drum roll please) A Tale of Two Cities & Great Expectations.

I thought, Hold on to your hat, Mr. Dickens. Your literary career has just been launched by the power of the O! Chuck, you’re on your WAAAY!

Well, at least Oprah can be confident this author is telling the truth. (Oh wait. It’s fiction. Never mind.)

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: How many authors were bummed out that Oprah picked a dead guy this time? (Admit it, fellow writers. We all harbor that secret dream of finding fame-and-fortune as we stay true to our “art”…)

Here’s the thing: A dream, like life, is a do-it-yourself project. We can play it safe and wait around for somebody else to make things happen for us. OR we can take the risk, go for it, and see what happens. The choice is ours.

So you have a dream. You have a talent. Call it a gift and be grateful to the Giver. It’s been said that we are not given a dream, talent or gift without also being given the means to fulfill the purpose for which it’s been given. There’s a powerful thought to ponder, eh?

The “right” moment, the “perfect” time in life to start moving in the direction of your dreams is today. Right now.

Go for it. Make the plan. Identify the first step. Write that novel or the song. Paint the wall or the canvas. Design the room or the life. Take the class or teach it. Bake the cake or the ceramics.

Explore the possibilities. Dream a better future. Go for that inspiring goal. Whatever it is, take action today. (Yes. Right in the middle of the holidays!)

Carve out a little gift- (and Giver-) honoring time and go for your dream.

Who knows? The call might come for you someday. In the meantime, you’ll experience the satisfaction and joy of living your own giftedness. What a blessing, for you and those who will benefit!

May you be blessed as you move toward your dreams this week!

P.S. Today we remember Pearl Harbor, those who fought that good fight and those who defend our freedoms today. God bless them this holiday season. And may we, one day soon, experience “peace on earth”!

Posted in encouragement, gifts, Giver, Goals, laugh, military, motivation, peace, Pearl Harbor | Leave a comment

The Macaroni Wagon

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Mary Pierce

TODAY’S LAUGH: One long-ago morning, I was on the phone in my kitchen (back in the Stone Age when phones were corded and land-locked). My children (2,4 and 6) were in the next room and were, as usual when I was on the phone, fighting with each other. (It’s in the kid genetic code.)

Desperate for peace, I grabbed a five-pound box of elbow macaroni from the cupboard, opened it and dumped it into a little red wagon (the good old metal kind they made back in the Stone Age) that was parked in the kitchen.

I added measuring cups and spoons and some little plastic bowls. I covered the phone with a hand as my friend talked on and hissed at the kids. “Psst!” They came slowly to me, no doubt expecting trouble.

I pointed to the wagonful of macaroni. They stared at it, then at me. The oldest spoke. “Really? We can play with macaroni?” I smiled and nodded my encouragement. They knelt on the kitchen floor and scooped and measured for the rest of the morning.

They played with that macaroni for days. It was one of the best weeks of our life.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: I took three lessons away from that experience:

(1) Motherhood requires creative thinking. Fast. (This is how moms came to invent the cell phone.)

(2) Sometimes we expect trouble and life surprises us with a wagon full of macaroni instead. We expect anger and find forgiveness instead. We expect disaster and find relief instead. We expect rejection and find love and acceptance instead.

And finally I learned that (3) macaroni, left long enough in a metal wagon in, say, a damp basement, will mold and… let’s just say the ol’ Radio Flyer was never the same. (Hey, I never said I was a good mother–just a creative one.)

May life bring you wagons full of delightful surprises – forgiveness, relief, love, acceptance- this week!

Posted in cell phone, encouragement, family life, laugh, macaroni, motherhood, parenting, Radio Flyer | Leave a comment

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